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Plantar Fasciitis or FasciosisPlantar fasciitis (Plan – TAR fash – ee – I – tis) is the medical term used to describe the most common cause of heel pain. Plantar means bottom of the foot. Fascia is defined as a band of connective tissue, similar in composition to a ligament, which sits below the skin and separates different [...]

How Night Splints Help Treat Plantar FasciitisPlantar fasciitis is the tearing, inflammation and subsequent degeneration of the plantar fascia, a broad ligament-type structure which extends across the bottom of the foot. The plantar fascia supports the arch and increases the rigidity of the foot, aiding the calf muscles in propelling the body forward during walking. Excess stress on the plantar fascia [...]

Plantar Fasciitis: What is REALLY Happening in Your HeelWhat is Plantar Fasciitis? Plantar fasciitis is the most common cause of heel pain. This condition is caused by small, microscopic tears in the plantar fascia. These tiny tears develop from repetitive stress on the fascia due to excess pull on the fascia. Like all injuries, these microscopic tears stimulate an inflammatory response in an [...]

Bunions: Hallux ValgusA bunion (hallux valgus) is not just a bump on the foot. A bunion is a structural change in the foot, resulting in a bone deformity, which looks like a bump on the foot. As seen in the image on the right, the long bone at the inside of the foot moves toward the inside [...]

Foot Pain: Where it Hurts and WhyMedial Lateral Anterior Posterior The images above illustrate areas of the foot that develop foot problems. The first image is of the inside of the foot. You can see the origin of the plantar fascia, where many develop heel pain, known as plantar fasciitis. The second images is of the outside of the foot. The [...]

Foot Anatomy and OrientationThe images below show four views of the foot. The first image is a view of the dorsal foot, which is the top of the foot. The second anatomy image is the plantar aspect of the foot, the bottom. The front of the foot is the anterior aspect and the back of the foot is [...]

Skin Temps Predictive of Foot Ulcer in DiabeticsA new study published in the Journal of Foot and Ankle Research reviewed the literature back to 1960 to evaluate whether measuring skin temperatures in the diabetic foot were predictive of foot ulceration. Results support the theory that increases skin temperature in the diabetic is predictive of foot ulceration when compared with the same site [...]

Vitamin D Not Helpful for Knee ArthritisA recent study published in the January issue of the Journal of the American Medical Association found that Vitamin D supplements did not help individuals with osteoarthritis. In a two year study on patients with painful knee osteoarthritis, researchers at Tuft’s University divided 146 participants into two groups, one receiving serum 25-hydroxy vitamin D supplements [...]

Neuropathy Treatment: NeuRX-TFNeuropathy is a medical term used to describe damage to the nerves that disrupts the communication between the skin, muscles and joints with the brain. Peripheral refers to the body parts on the outer edge of the body, such as the feet, legs, arms and hands. The peripheral nerves carry information from the extremities to [...]

Supportive Shoes and Orthotics for Heel PainI’ve been advocating to my patients for years the importance of supportive shoes and inserts for the treatment of heel pain. I became a firm believer when I experienced heel pain myself. It was a beautiful Fall day and I stepped out of the car onto my foot and immediately felt an intense pain in [...]

McFadden Healed From Lisfranc InjuryDarren McFadden was injured while playing against the Kansas City Chiefs during week seven of the 2011 season. He was initially diagnosed with a “midfoot sprain” and thought to only need a short period of ice and immobilization. McFadden was expected to return to play the Broncos in early November. Unfortunately, this was not the [...]

Augmented Reality Apps Help Surgeons Plan SurgeryAugmented reality apps can help surgeons plan procedures. The application, Hallux Angles, is designed to assist foot surgeons plan bunion procedures by measuring angles on the foot for corrective bunion surgery. By viewing an X-ray through a phone with the Hallux Angles application, measurements can be obtained. The program is designed to supplement the current [...]

Foot Bones LabeledThe foot is a complex structure, in this diagram, the foot bones are labeled.

Flavonoids May Improve Bone StrengthA recent study in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research has found a connection between flavonoids and bone health. Flavonoids are a group of bioactive chemicals found synthesized by plants. Over 3000 Scottish women were surveyed on their food intakes and flavonoid intake was estimated based on specific fruit and vegetable intake as evaluated [...]

What Type Of Inserts Are Recommended?Amplify’d from www.northcoastfootcare.com Insert: An insert is any device which will fit into a shoe. This can be a soft, cushioned insole you find at the drug store for $10, or it can be a custom made orthotic costing a couple hundred dollars at your doctor’s office. Soft insoles are flexible and add comfort and [...]

Superfeet InsolesAmplify’d from www.northcoastfootcare.com A variety of Superfeet insoles for athletic shoes, snowboard and ski boots, everyday shoes, flats and high heels. Superfeet’s firm, contoured shape provides support, balance and comfort that soft insoles cannot achieve. Superfeet combines the best materials with the best design and support to help keep the foot in it’s ideal functioning [...]

What is Gout?Amplify’d from www.nlm.nih.gov Gout is a common, painful form of arthritis. It causes swollen, red, hot and stiff joints. Gout occurs when uric acid builds up in your blood. This happens if your body produces extra acid or does not eliminate enough, or if you eat too many foods with purines, such as liver and [...]

Tai Chi Can Provide Arthritis ReliefAmplify’d from www.nlm.nih.gov Arthritis patients may gain physical and emotional relief from the ancient Chinese art of Tai Chi, finds a new study, the largest of its kind. Patients with osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis and fibromyalgia felt better and moved more easily after taking twice-weekly classes in Tai Chi, a system of meditative exercise, researchers found. [...]

Superfeet Blue OrthoticsAmplify’d from www.northcoastfootcare.com Superfeet Premium Blue Insoles are multi-purpose prefabricated inserts designed to offer full arch support. Superfeet has a unique two component design to help provide lasting comfort & support. Factory made insoles just don’t compare. Superfeet Insoles help reduce the cause of foot, knee and back problems by maximizing comfort and improving shock [...]

ARCH Molds: Moldable Custom InsolesAmplify’d from www.northcoastfootcare.com ARCH Molds: Moldable Custom Insoles for arch pain relief and general arch support. The Heat Moldable inserts mold to the shape of your foot, helping arch and heel problems without compromising support. They eliminate the gaps between your foot and footwear. You can re-mold them up to 5 times! Preheat the oven [...]

“Knocking Socks Off” Saves Limbs and LivesAmplify’d from www.apma.org During Diabetes Awareness Month, the American Podiatric Medical Association encourages patients to see a podiatrist for regular foot examinations. Bethesda, MD—The number of Americans diagnosed with diabetes continues to rise toward record levels, with an estimated one in three adults predicted to have the disease by the year 2050, according to the [...]

Five Tips For Holiday Healthy FeetAmplify’d from www.foothealthfacts.org Don’t let sore, achy feet ruin your holiday season. The American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons offers five tips to healthy holiday feet. 1. If the shoe fits, wear it—When hitting the dance floor or the shopping malls during the holiday season, don’t compromise comfort and safety when picking the right [...]

Osteoarthritis Pain May Be Helped With BracingAmplify’d from www.nlm.nih.gov Wearing a brace can help people with osteoarthritis better manage their pain, the Arthritis Foundation says. The foundation mentions these possible benefits of bracing, which can improve pain and mobility: Improve stability in weakened joints. Improve distribution of weight and joint alignment. Improve joint function. Improve a person’s risk of falling, providing [...]

Does Caffeine Trigger Gout Attacks?Amplify’d from arthritis.webmd.com An extra jolt or two of caffeine may trigger a gout attack in people with the painful and often disabling arthritic condition, preliminary research suggests. “We found that overall, as the number of servings of caffeinated beverages increased, so too did the chance of having recurrent gout attacks,” says Tuhina Neogi, MD, [...]